Atlas vs Atlas Cross Sport: Understanding the Difference
Volkswagen has two full-size SUVs, the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport. Though both vehicles offer a large interior and plenty of cargo space, there are some key differences between the two. Let’s take a look at how the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport compare.
The Atlas is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven passengers. It is available in five trim levels, ranging from the base S to the top-of-the-line SEL Premium. It features a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 available. It also offers a variety of optional features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heated steering wheel.
The Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row SUV that seats up to five passengers. It is available in five trim levels, ranging from the base S to the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line. It features a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 available. It also offers a variety of optional features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system.
The two SUVs also have a few key differences in terms of design. The Atlas is larger, with a longer wheelbase and a wider overall body. The Atlas Cross Sport has a more coupe-like design, with a sloping roofline and a shorter overall length. The Atlas Cross Sport also has a more powerful engine, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 that produces 276 horsepower, compared to the Atlas’s optional 3.6-liter V6 which produces 276 horsepower.
In terms of safety, both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport offer a variety of driver assistance and safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The two SUVs also have similar fuel efficiency ratings, with the Atlas Cross Sport slightly more efficient than the Atlas.
Overall, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer two different options for those looking for a full-size SUV. The Atlas is larger and offers more seating and cargo space, while the Atlas Cross Sport offers a more powerful engine and a sportier design. Both vehicles offer a variety of features and safety options, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one is right for you.
Difference in Exterior Design
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport share many similarities in exterior design, but there are also distinct differences. The Atlas is a three-row SUV, with a longer wheelbase and overall length than the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. The Atlas Cross Sport is slightly taller than the Atlas, measuring an inch higher at the roofline. The Atlas Cross Sport has a more athletic and refined look, with a sloping roofline, wider grille and more angular headlamps. The Atlas has a more traditional, boxy shape and a larger grille with round headlamps.
The Atlas Cross Sport features a more aerodynamic design, with a lower drag coefficient than the Atlas. The Atlas Cross Sport also has more ground clearance than the Atlas, offering up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance compared to the Atlas’ 6.9 inches. The Atlas Cross Sport also has a longer wheelbase than the Atlas, providing a smoother ride and better handling.
Difference in Interior Design
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport differ in interior design as well. The Atlas has a more traditional SUV interior, with a three-row seating arrangement, plenty of cargo space, and a large center console. The Atlas Cross Sport has a two-row seating arrangement, with the second row seats being able to slide forward and back to provide more legroom for rear passengers. The Atlas Cross Sport also has a larger center console, providing more storage space.
The Atlas Cross Sport also features a more modern, upscale interior than the Atlas, with sophisticated materials and finishes, including available quilted leather seats. The Atlas features more conventional materials and finishes, with cloth or leather seating options. Both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the Atlas Cross Sport has an available 10-inch touchscreen.
Difference in Powertrain
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport also differ in powertrain. The Atlas is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport is available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport also has an available advanced all-wheel drive system, offering superior traction and handling in various driving conditions.
Both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Atlas Cross Sport also offers an available 4-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing an additional 13 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. The mild hybrid system also provides improved fuel economy, with an estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Atlas has an estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.